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CBSelfie with Erica Ellingson

CBS senior with a family history in CBS (two older sisters also completed undergraduate degrees here) paves her path through research, service and coursework.

Year: Senior

Hometown: Willmar, MN

Major: Cellular and Organismal Physiology

How have your interests changed since you first entered?I came into CBS pre-med, as many students do. But after a couple semesters I realized that medical school might not be the best option for me. I still was very interested in harnessing my love for biology and studying the human body to help other people though. I started meeting with some CBS alums and soon realized how many other paths in the healthcare field exist. One CBS alum recently completed Physicians Assistant (PA) school and I really like the flexibility and on-the-job training elements of the profession. I’m most interested in dermatology or family medicine, but I’m open to other specialities as well. I will truly be happy in any career where I get to work with people regularly and help improve some aspect of their lives.

Outside of classes and study sessions, what keeps you busy on campus? Recently, most of my time surrounds around serving as the president of the CBS Student Board and volunteering in Professor Dan Knight’s Lab. For fun, I go swing dancing almost weekly with some friends and try see friends during the week for coffee or dinner.

How did you get involved with the CBS student board?I first heard about the CBS Student Board when my sister was a member during her time as a CBS student. I knew it was an organization I wanted to be a part of when I started as a freshman. Leadership and student government always interested me so it’s a good fit. I applied to be a board member freshman year and and it’s been so much more than I ever thought it would be. Through my service on the CBS Student Board, I’ve interacted directly with faculty, met a wide range of CBS students and worked with some phenomenal people to try to make CBS a better place.

What’s your favorite spot on campus? Why?For studying, I really enjoy studying in Biocommons. Ever since the remodel was done a few years ago, I love spending time in there and find that I’m very productive. Also, it’s right across from Caribou - can it really get any better than that? Otherwise, during the fall or spring on a nice day, I love sitting on the grass on the mall or on the McNamara Plaza and enjoying the sunshine!